System for decontaminating water and generating water vapor

ABSTRACT

A system and method for processing a fluid, including decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing the fluid into a vessel. The fluid is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the fluid to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or fluid input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated fluid may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for decontaminating water andgenerating water vapor. More particularly, the present invention relatesto an improved method that utilizes a series of sensors and a controlsystem to vaporize water, remove dissolved solids and maximize recoveryof potable water from contaminated water via a horizontal waterprocessing vessel.

Desalinization (also desalination or desalinisation) refers to one ofmany processes for removing excess salt, minerals and other natural orunnatural contaminants from water. Historically, desalinizationconverted sea water into drinking water onboard ships. Moderndesalinization processes are still used on ships and submarines toensure a constant drinking water supply for the crew. But,desalinization is increasingly being used in arid regions having scarcefresh water resources. In these regions, salt water from the ocean isdesalinated to fresh water suitable for consumption (i.e. potable) orfor irrigation. The highly concentrated waste product from thedesalinization process is commonly referred to as brine, with salt(NaCl) being a typical major by-product. Most modern interest indesalinization focuses on developing cost-effective processes forproviding fresh water for use in arid regions where fresh wateravailability is limited.

Large-scale desalinization is typically costly and generally requireslarge amounts of energy and an expensive infrastructure. For example,the world's largest desalinization plant primarily uses multi-stageflash distillation and can produce 300 million cubic meters (m³) ofwater per year. The largest desalinization plant in the United Statesdesalinates 25 million gallons (95,000 m³) of water per day. Worldwide,approximately 13,000 desalinization plants produce more than 12 billiongallons (45 million m³) of water per day. Thus, there is a constant needin the art for improving desalinization methods, namely lowering costsand improving efficiency of the related systems.

Desalinization may be performed by many different processes. Forexample, several processes use simple evaporation-based desalinizationmethods such as multiple-effect evaporation (MED or simply ME),vapor-compression evaporation (VC) and evaporation-condensation. Ingeneral, evaporation-condensation is a natural desalinization processperformed by nature during the hydrologic cycle. In the hydrologiccycle, water evaporates into the atmosphere from sources such as lakes,oceans and streams. Evaporated water then contacts cooler air and formsdew or rain. The resultant water is generally free from impurities. Thehydrologic process can be replicated artificially using a series ofevaporation-condensation processes. In basic operation, salt water isheated to evaporation. Salt and other impurities dissolve out from thewater and are left behind during the evaporation stage. The evaporatedwater is later condensed, collected and stored as fresh water. Over theyears, the evaporation-condensation system has been greatly improved,especially with the advent of more efficient technology facilitating theprocess. But, these systems still require significant energy input toevaporate the water. An alternative evaporation-based desalinizationmethod includes multi-stage flash distillation, as briefly describedabove. Multi-stage flash distillation uses vacuum distillation. Vacuumdistillation is a process of boiling water at less than atmosphericpressure by creating a vacuum within the evaporation chamber. Hence,vacuum distillation operates at a much lower temperature than MED or VCand therefore requires less energy to evaporate the water to separatethe contaminants therefrom. This process is particularly desirable inview of rising energy costs.

Alternative desalinization methods may include membrane-based processessuch as reverse osmosis (RO), electrodialisys reversal (EDR),nanofiltration (NF), forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation(MD). Of these desalinization processes, reverse osmosis is the mostwidely used. Reverse osmosis uses semi-permeable membranes and pressureto separate salt and other impurities from water. Reverse osmosismembranes are considered selective. That is, the membrane is highlypermeable to water molecules while highly impermeable to salt and othercontaminants dissolved therein. The membranes themselves are stored inexpensive and highly pressurized containers. The containers arrange themembranes to maximize surface area and salt water flow ratetherethrough. Conventional-osmosis desalinization systems typically useone of two techniques for developing high pressure within the system:(1) high-pressure pumps; or (2) centrifuges. A high-pressure pump helpsfilter salt water through the membrane. The pressure in the systemvaries according to the pump settings and osmotic pressure of the saltwater. Osmotic pressure depends on the temperature of the solution andthe concentration of salt dissolved therein. Alternatively, centrifugesare typically more efficient, but are more difficult to implement. Thecentrifuge spins the solution at high rates to separate materials ofvarying densities within the solution. In combination with a membrane,suspended salts and other contaminants are subject to constant radialacceleration along the length of the membrane. One common problem withreverse osmosis in general is the removal of suspended salt and cloggingof the membrane over time.

Operating expenses of reverse osmosis water desalinization plants areprimarily determined by the energy costs required to drive thehigh-pressure pump or centrifuge. A hydraulic energy recovery system maybe integrated into the reverse osmosis system to combat rising energycosts associated with already energy intensive processes. This involvesrecovering part of the input energy. For example, turbines areparticularly capable of recovering energy in systems that require highoperating pressures and large volumes of salt water. The turbinerecovers energy during a hydraulic pressure drop. Thus, energy isrecovered in a reverse osmosis system based on pressure differentialsbetween opposite sides of the membrane. The pressure on the salt waterside is much higher than the pressure on the desalinated water side. Thepressure drop produces considerable hydraulic energy recoverable by theturbine. Thus, the energy produced between high pressure and lowpressure sections of the reverse osmosis membrane is harnessed and notcompletely wasted. Recovered energy may be used to drive any of thesystem components, including the high-pressure pump or centrifuge.Turbines help reduce overall energy expenditures to performdesalinization.

In general, reverse osmosis systems typically consume less energy thanthermal distillation and is, therefore, more cost effective. Whilereverse osmosis works well with somewhat brackish water solutions,reverse osmosis may become overloaded and inefficient when used withheavily salted solutions, such as ocean salt water. Other, lessefficient desalinization methods may include ionic exchange, freezing,geothermal desalinization, solar humidification (HDH or MEH), methanehydrate crystallization, high-grade water recycling or RF inducedhyperthermia. Regardless of the process, desalinization remains energyintensive. Future costs and economic feasibility continue to depend onboth the price of desalinization technology and the costs of the energyneeded to operate the system.

In another alternative method of desalinization, U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,140to Burke, Jr. discloses a method of separating and removing dissolvedminerals and organic material from water by destructive distillation.Here, water is heated to a vapor under controlled pressure. Dissolvedsalt particles and other contaminants fall out of the solution as waterevaporates. An integrated hydrocyclone centrifuge speeds up theseparation process. The heated, high pressure clean water transfersenergy back to the system through heat exchange and a hydraulic motor.Net energy use is therefore relatively lower than the aforementionedprocesses. In fact, net energy use is essentially equivalent to pumploss and heat loss from equipment operation. One particular advantage ofthis design is that there are no membranes to replace. This processremoves chemicals and other matter that would otherwise damage ordestroy membrane-based desalinization devices.

Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,026 to Wallace, discloses a methodand apparatus for removing salt and other minerals in the form ofdissolved solids from salt and other brackish waters to produce potablewater. Water is forced through several desalinization stages at hightemperature and at high centrifugal velocities. Preferably, the interiorcomponents spin the water at speeds up to Mach 2 to efficiently separateand suspend dissolved salt and other dissolved solids from the vaporizedwater. The suspended salt and other minerals are centrifugally forcedoutward to be discharged separately from the water vapor. The separatedand purified vapor or steam is then condensed back to potable water. Thesystem requires significantly less operational energy than reverseosmosis and similar filtration systems to efficiently and economicallypurify water. One drawback of this design is that the rotating shaft isbuilt into a vertical chamber. As a result, the rotating shaft sectionsare only solidly anchored to the base unit by a bearing and a bearingcap. At high rotational speeds (e.g. over Mach 1), vibrations causeexcessive bearing shaft and seal failure. Another drawback is that aseries of chambers are bolted together in housing sections. Theperforated plates are coupled to these sections by an O-ring seal. Thehousing and O-ring seals tend to wear over time due to salt penetrationbecause the multiple chambers and housing sections are connected via aplurality of nuts and bolts. In particular, the assembly of the Wallacedesign is particularly laborious. Maintenance is equally labor intensiveas it takes significant time to disassemble each of the housingsections, including the O-rings, nuts and bolts. Of course, the devicemust be reassembled after the requisite maintenance is performed. Eachhousing section must be carefully put back together to ensure propersealing therebetween. The system is also prone to a variety of torqueand maintenance problems as the device ages, such as O-ring leakage.Moreover, the rotating shaft is connected to the power source by a geardrive, which contributes to the aforementioned reliability problemsassociated with the bearings, shafts and seals. The system also fails todisclose a means for regulating the speed of the rotating shaft sectionsaccording to the osmotic pressure of the salt water being desalinated.The static operation of the Wallace desalinization machine is thereforenot as efficient as other modern desalinization devices.

Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved system that includessensors for monitoring real-time system information and controls foradjusting the mechanical operation of the system to maximizedecontamination of the water, such as desalinization of the water, andminimize energy consumption. Such a system should further incorporatemultiple recycling cycles to increase the recovery of potable water fromapproximately eighty percent to between approximately ninety-six percentto ninety-nine percent, should incorporate a polymer aided recoverysystem to extract trace elements of residue compounds and should consumeless energy than other desalinization systems known in the art. Thepresent invention fulfills these needs and provides further relatedadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system for processing fluids,such as decontaminating or desalinating water, and generating watervapor, including steam. The system includes an elongated vessel definingan inner chamber. The vessel is oriented generally horizontally. Aninlet is formed in the vessel for introducing fluid therein. A pluralityof trays is disposed within the inner chamber in spaced relation to oneanother. The trays include scoops through which fluid—both liquid andvapor—passes. The scoops preferably include an inlet of a first diameterand an outlet of a second smaller diameter. A plurality of baffles,typically apertured plates, is disposed between the trays. Each bafflehas a plurality of apertures through which fluid—both liquid andvapor—passes. Preferably, the apertures have an inlet of a firstdiameter and an outlet of a second smaller diameter. In one embodiment,at least one of the trays includes a flow director extending from afront face thereof and configured to direct flow of the fluid towards aperiphery of the tray.

A rotatable shaft passes through the baffles, and is attached to thetray so as to rotate the trays within the inner chamber, while thebaffles remain stationary. A drive rotates the shaft. Typically, a gapor a layer or sleeve of low friction material, or bearings, is disposedbetween the baffles and the shaft.

A contaminant outlet is formed in the vessel and typically in fluidcommunication with a contaminant water tank. An internal sleeve isdisposed in the inner chamber downstream of the trays and baffles. Theinternal sleeve is proximate to the contaminate outlet and forms anannular passageway leading from the inner chamber to the contaminateoutlet. A water vapor outlet is also formed in the vessel and is incommunication with a vapor recovery tank for condensing the vapor toliquid water. In one embodiment, at least one treated contaminated watertank is fluidly coupled to the vessel for reprocessing the contaminatedwater by passing the treated contaminated water through the systemagain.

In one embodiment, a controller is used to adjust the speed of rotationof the shaft or the water input into the vessel. At least one sensor isin communication with the controller. At least one sensor is configuredto determine at least one of: 1) speed of rotation of the shaft ortrays, 2) pressure of the inner chamber, 3) temperature of the fluid, 4)fluid input rate, or 5) level of contaminates in the fluid to beprocessed.

In one embodiment, a turbine is connected to the vapor outlet of thevessel and operably connected to an electric generator. The fluid isheated to at least a boiling temperature thereof so as to create steam,and the vapor and/or steam is passed through the turbine operablyconnected to the electric generator. A treated fluid return may bedisposed between the turbine and the vessel fluid inlet. Alternatively,the shaft may extend out of the vessel and be directly or indirectlycoupled to an electric generator.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system is attached to aportable framework, which may be transported via semi-trailer truck, ISOcontainer, or the like.

In use, the method for decontaminating fluid and generating the vaporcomprises the steps of introducing a fluid having contaminants into thevessel. The fluid is moved through the series of rotating traysalternately separated by the stationary baffles so as to swirl and heatthe fluid to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor havingat least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. Typically, thefluid is heated to at least one hundred degrees Fahrenheit, but lessthan two hundred twelve degrees Fahrenheit, if the system does notinclude a turbine and electric generator. Preferably, the temperature ofthe vapor is raised to a pasteurization temperature. This is done byrotating the trays to a speed where vapor temperature reaches thepasteurization temperature.

The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from theseparated contaminants and remaining fluid. The vapor is passed througha recovery tank having spaced apart members in a flow path of the vaporfor coalescing or condensing to liquid.

In one embodiment, certain conditions are sensed, including at least oneof: 1) fluid input into the vessel, 2) the speed of rotation of thetrays, 3) pressure within the vessel, 4) temperature of the fluid, or 5)level of separated contaminants. The speed of rotation of the trays orwater input into the vessel may be adjusted in response to the sensedconditions. The level of separated contaminants and fluid in a holdingtank or concentration of contaminants in the treated fluid may also besensed, and the separated contaminants and fluid be reprocessed byrecirculating them through the vessel.

A system for processing fluids comprises an elongated vessel having afluid inlet and a shaft through the vessel. The system includes meansfor centrifugally and axially compressing a fluid, both liquid and vaporbut primarily vapor, through the vessel. The system also includes meansfor rotating the shaft to drive the means for centrifugally and axiallycompressing. The vessel also includes a fluid outlet, which preferablycomprises separate liquid and vapor outlets.

The means for centrifugally and axially compressing comprises aproximate set of alternately spaced trays and baffles. The trays areattached to the shaft and have a plurality of scoops through which thefluid, both liquid and vapor, passes. The baffles are attached to thevessel and have a plurality of apertures through which the fluid, bothliquid and vapor, passes.

The means for rotating the shaft comprises a distal set of alternatelyspaced trays and baffles that functions as an unlighted gas turbine oran hydraulic/water turbine. As with the means for centrifugally andaxially compressing, the trays are attached to the shaft and have aplurality of scoops through which the fluid passes. The baffles areattached to the vessel and have a plurality of apertures through whichthe fluid passes. In one particular embodiment, the scoops on the traysin the means for centrifugally and axially compressing are oriented at adifferent angle from the scoops on the trays and the means for rotatingthe shaft.

The system further comprises a means for axially pumping the fluidthrough the vessel. The means for axially pumping comprises an intakechamber disposed between the fluid inlet and the means for centrifugallyand axially compressing. The intake chamber functions as an axial pumponce the system is run to an operating rotation speed.

The means for centrifugally and axially compressing vaporizes at leastpart of the fluid through cavitation such that the fluid comprisesnon-vaporized dissolved solids, a liquid and a vapor. The means forcentrifugally and axially compressing causes centrifugal compression ofthe fluid, resulting in the non-vaporized dissolved solids and at leastpart of the liquid moving toward an outer wall of the vessel. The meansfor centrifugally and axially compressing causes axial flow compressionof the liquid and vapor increasing the pressure of the fluid.

The system further comprises a means for discharging the fluid intoseparate liquid and vapor outlets. This means for discharging comprisesa discharge chamber having an internal sleeve defining an annularpassageway in communication with the liquid outlet. The separation ofthe fluid to the separate liquid and vapor outlets results in areduction in pressure and a physical separation of non-vaporizeddissolved solids and the liquid from the vapor.

A method for processing fluids comprising the steps of pumping a fluidthrough a fluid inlet on an elongated vessel having a shafttherethrough. The method also comprises the step of centrifugally andaxially compressing a fluid through the vessel, and rotating the shaftto drive the centrifugal and axial compression. The method also includesthe step of discharging the fluid through a fluid outlet on the vessel.

The step of centrifugally and axially compressing comprises the step ofpassing the fluid through a proximate set of alternately spaced traysattached to the shaft and baffles fixed to the vessels.

The step of rotating the shaft comprises the step of passing the fluidthrough a distal set of alternately spaced trays attached to the shaftand baffles fixed to the vessel. The distal set of trays and bafflesfunctions as an unlighted gas turbine or a hydraulic/water turbine. Thepassing steps comprise passing the fluid through a plurality of scoopson the trays and a plurality of apertures on the baffles.

The pumping step comprises the step of axially pumping the fluid throughthe vessel. The axially pumping step comprises the step of passing thefluid through an intake chamber before performing the centrifugally andaxially compressing step. The intake chamber functions as an axial pumpto perform the axially pumping step once the system is run to anoperating rotation speed.

The step of centrifugally and axially compressing comprises the step ofvaporizing at least part of the fluid through cavitation such that thefluid comprises non-vaporized dissolved solids, a liquid and a vapor.The step of centrifugally and axially compressing further comprises thestep of moving the non-vaporized dissolved solids and at least part ofthe liquid toward an outer wall of the vessel. The step of centrifugallyand axially compressing also comprises the step of increasing thepressure of the fluid through axial compression of the liquid and vapor.The discharging step comprises the steps of physically separating thenon-vaporized dissolved solids and the liquid from the vapor,discharging the non-vaporized dissolved solids and the liquids through aliquid outlet, and discharging the vapor through a vapor outlet. Themethod further comprises the step of reducing the pressure of the fluidin a discharge chamber.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top schematic, and partially sectioned, view of a system fordecontaminating water and generating water vapor, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side schematic, and partially sectioned, view of the systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the water processing vessel having anupper portion thereof opened;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the horizontal water processing vessel attachedto a portable framework, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a rotating tray having a plurality of scoopstherein;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tray and a scoopthereof;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a baffle, used in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a tray having a water director placed in frontthereof;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the baffle,illustrating a tapered aperture thereof;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustrating the electric motor coupled to thetransmission and then coupled to the shaft of the water processingvessel, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the system of the presentinvention, similar to FIG. 1, but illustrating the incorporation of acontrol box and various sensors, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a top schematic view of the system of the present invention,incorporating a turbine and electric generator;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the water processing vessel, illustrating avapor outlet thereof;

FIG. 14 is a side schematic view of the system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a front schematic and partially sectioned view of analternate embodiment of a system for decontaminating water andgenerating water vapor, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a close-up of the trays and baffles of the system of FIG. 15indicated by circle 16;

FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the vessel with inlet and outletsdepicted in the system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-section of the vessel of FIG. 17 taken along line18-18 thereof;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of the shaft with trays and baffles of thesystem of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a tray of the system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a baffle of the system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a tray indicated by line 22-22 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is an opposite side view of the tray indicated by line 23-23 ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a side view of a baffle indicated by line 24-24 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft, tray and baffleas disposed in the vessel;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a tray taken along line 26-26 ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a baffle taken along line 27-27 ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a control screen for a system of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of the processes occurring atvarious points throughout the water processing vessel of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the drawings, for purposes of illustration, the presentinvention resides in a system and method for decontaminating water andgenerating water vapor. The method and system of the present inventionis particularly suitable for desalinization of salt water, such as oceanor other brackish waters, as well as, river water or otherliquids/slurries. This preferred treatment will be used for exemplarypurposes herein, although it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the system and method of the present invention could be used todecontaminate other water sources. The present invention may be used toremove dissolved or suspended solids (decontamination), as well as,heavy metals and other pollutants. Moreover, as will be more fullydescribed herein, the system and method of the present invention can beused in association with relatively clean water to create water vapor,in the form of steam, which has a sufficient pressure and temperature soas to be passed through a turbine which is operably connected to anelectric generator for the generation of electricity, or other steamheating applications.

In the following description, multiple embodiments of the inventivemethod and system for decontaminating water and generating water vaporare described. Throughout these embodiments and with reference to thedrawing figures, functionally equivalent components will be referred tousing identical reference numerals.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system, generally referred toby the reference number 10, includes a water processing vessel orchamber 12 defining an inner chamber 14, wherein salt and otherdissolved solids and contaminants are removed from the water to produceessentially mineral-free, potable water. In one embodiment, theprocessing vessel 12 receives contaminated water from a feed tank 16through an inlet valve 18 via a feed tank tube 20. In this illustration,the inlet valve 18 enters the vessel 12 laterally through a side wall.This inlet valve 18 can be alternately positioned as described below.The source of water can be sea or ocean water, other brackish waters, oreven water which is contaminated with other contaminants. Moreover, thepresent invention envisions supplying the contaminated water directlyfrom the source, wherein the feed tank 16 may not necessarily be used.

With reference now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the vessel 12 iscomprised of a lower shell and an upper shell portion 12 b such that thelower and upper shell portions 12 a and 12 b can be opened or removedrelative to one another so as to access the contents within the innerchamber 14 of the vessel 12. The vessel 12 may also be constructed as asingle unit as opposed to lower and upper shell portions. The waterprocessing vessel 12 includes, within the inner chamber 14 a pluralityof rotatable trays 22 spaced apart from one another and having a baffle24 disposed between each pair of trays 22. As will be more fullyexplained herein, the rotatable trays 22 include a plurality of scoops26 formed therethrough and the baffles 24 typically comprise plateshaving a plurality of apertures 28 formed therethrough. The baffles 24are fixed to the vessel 12 so as to be stationary. The baffles 24 maycomprise a lower portion disposed in the lower shell 12 a of the vesseland an upper portion attached to and disposed in the upper shell 12 b ofthe vessel 12 and designed to form a single baffle when the lower andupper shells 12 a and 12 b of the vessel 12 are in engagement with oneanother and closed. Alternatively, each baffle 24 may comprise a singlepiece that is attached to either the lower shell 12 a or the upper shell12 b in the earlier embodiment or at multiple points in the single unitembodiment. In either embodiment, the baffle 24 will remain generallystationary as the water and water vapor is passed therethrough.

A variable frequency drive 30 regulates the speed at which electricmotor 32 drives a transmission 34 and a corresponding shaft 36. Theshaft 36 is rotatably coupled to bearings or the like, typicallynon-friction bearings lubricated with synthetic oil, Schmitt couplers,or ceramic bearings 38 and 40 at generally opposite ends of the vessel12. The shaft 36 extends through the trays 22 and baffles 24 such thatonly the trays 22 are rotated by the shaft. That is, the trays 22 arecoupled to the shaft 36. Bearings, or a low-friction material, such as alayer or sleeve of Teflon is disposed between the rotating shaft 36 andthe aperture plate baffle 24 to reduce friction therebetween, yetstabilize and support the spinning shaft 36. Teflon is not preferred asit could fray and contaminate the fluid.

As can be seen from the drawings, the water processing vessel 12 andinner chamber 14 are oriented generally horizontally. The trays 22 andbaffles 24 are oriented vertically within the inner chamber 14 anddisposed along the horizontal orientation of the same. The rotatingshaft 36 is also disposed along the horizontal orientation of the innerchamber 14. This is in contrast to the Wallace '026 device wherein thewater processing chamber was oriented generally vertically, and the topof the rotating shaft was secured by a bearing and a bearing cap, whichsupported the chamber itself. As a result, the rotating shaft sectionswere only solidly anchored to the base of the unit. At high rotationaloperating speeds, vibrations within the system cause excessive bearing,shaft and seal failure. In contrast, horizontally mounting the waterprocessing vessel 12 and inner chamber 14 to a frame structure 42distributes the rotational load along the length of the vessel 12 andreduces vibrations, such as harmonic vibrations, that could otherwisecause excessive bearing, shaft and seal failures. Moreover, mounting thevessel 12 to the frame structure 42 enhances the portability of thesystem 10, as will be more fully described herein. Supporting the veryrapidly rotating shaft 36 along the horizontal orientation of the vessel12 and chamber 14 through each baffle 24 further stabilizes the shaftand system and reduces vibrations and damage caused thereby.

As mentioned above, the shaft 36, and trays 22 are rotated at a veryhigh speed, such as Mach 2, although slower speeds such as Mach 1.7 haveproven effective. This moves the water through the scoops 26 of thetrays 22, which swirls and heats the water such that a water vapor isformed, and the contaminants, salts, and other dissolved solids are leftbehind and fall out of the water vapor. Most of the intake water isvaporized by 1) vacuum distillation and 2) cavitation created uponimpact with the first rotating tray 22, the centrifugal and axial flowcompression causes the temperatures and pressures to increase as thereis a direct correlation between shaft RPM and temperature/pressureincreases or decreases. The water and water vapor is then passed throughthe apertures 28 of the baffles 24 before being processed again throughthe next rotating tray 22 with scoops 26. The configurations of thetrays 22 and baffles 24 are designed to minimize or eliminate drag andfriction in the rotation of the shaft 36 by providing sufficientclearance at the perimeter of the trays 22 and through the centralopening 59 of the baffles 24. At the same time leakage around theperimeter of the trays 22 and through the central opening 59 of thebaffles 24 is to be minimized so as to increase efficiency.

As the water and water vapor passes through each subchamber of thevessel 12, the temperature of the water vapor is increased such thatadditional water vapor is created and leaves the salts, dissolvedsolids, and other contaminants behind in the remaining water. Thecentrifugal forces on the water and contaminants force it to the wall ofthe inner chamber 14 and into a set of channels 44 which direct thecontaminants and non-vaporized water to an outlet 46. The water vaporwhich is generated passes through a water vapor outlet 48 formed in thevessel 12. Thus, the water vapor and the contaminants and remainingwater are separated from one another. Outlets 46 and 48 are generallyopposite the inlet 18 along the horizontal orientation of the innerchamber 14.

As mentioned above, the trays 22 are rotated by the shaft 36. The shaft36 is supported within the interior of the water processing vessel 12 bya plurality of bearings, as mentioned above. The bearings are typicallynon-friction bearings lubricated with synthetic oil, steel, or ceramic.Prior art desalinization systems incorporate standard roller bearingswhich would fail under high rotational speeds and high temperatures.Thus, desalinization systems known in the prior art had high failurerates associated with standard roller bearings. In the presentinvention, the lubricated non-friction bearings, sealed steel ballbearings, or ceramic bearings 38 and 40 are more durable than standardroller bearings and fail less often under high rotational speeds andtemperatures. Moreover, the shaft 36 may be intermittently supported bythe low friction materials, such as Teflon sleeves or bearings 50disposed between the baffle plate 24 and the shaft 36. This furtherensures even distribution of weight and forces on the shaft 36 andimproves the operation and longevity of the system.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary tray 22 isshown, having a plurality of scoops 26 formed therethrough. Althoughfourteen scoops 26 are illustrated in FIG. 5, it will be appreciatedthat the number may vary and can be several dozen in a single tray 22,thus the dotted line represents multiple scoops of a variety of numbers.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tray 22 and the scoop 26 formedtherein. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the scoops 26 aretapered such that a diameter of an inlet 52 thereof is greater than thediameter of an outlet 54 thereof. The tapered scoop 26 is essentially aVenturi tube that has the vertical opening or inlet 52 substantiallyperpendicular to the horizontal surface of the rotating tray base 22.Liquid and vapor accelerates through the tapered scoop 26 because thetapered scoop has a larger volume at the entrance 52 thereof and asmaller volume at the exit or outlet 54 thereof. The change in volumefrom the inlet to the outlet of the tapered scoop 26 causes an increasein velocity due to the Venturi effect. As a result, the liquid water andwater vapor is further accelerated and agitated, resulting in increasesin temperature and pressure. This further enables separation of thecontaminants from within the water vapor. The tapered scoop 26 may beattached to the rotating tray 22 by any means known in the art.

Once again, it will be appreciated that there will be more or lesstapered scoops 26 distributed in the entire area of the rotating tray22, the particular number and size of the scoops 26 will vary dependingupon the operating conditions of the system 10 of the present invention.Moreover, the angle of the scoop 26, illustrated as approximatelyforty-five degrees in FIG. 6, can be varied from tray to tray 22. Thatis, by increasing the angle of the spinning scoop, such as bytwenty-five degrees to thirty-one degrees to thirty-six degrees on thesubsequent tray, to forty degrees, forty-five degrees on a next tray,etc. the increase in angle of the scoop 26 of the spinning tray 22accommodates increases in pressure of the water vapor which builds up asthe water vapor passes through the vessel 12. The increase in angle canalso be used to further agitate and create water vapor, and increase thepressure of the water vapor, which may be used in a steam turbine, aswill be more fully described herein.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 9, a baffle 24, in the form of anapertured plate, is shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the baffle 24 isformed as a first plate member 56 and a second plate member 58 which areconnected by connectors 60 to the inner wall of the vessel 12. Theconnectors 60 can comprise bolts, dowels, rods, or any other connectingmeans which is adequate. Alternatively, as described above, the baffle24 can be formed as a single unit connected to either the upper or thelower vessel shell 12 a and 12 b. When formed as dual plate members 56and 58, preferably the plate members 56 and 58 inter-engage with oneanother when the vessel 12 is closed so as to effectively form a singlebaffle 24.

As described above, a plurality of apertures 28 are formed through thebaffle plate 24. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one such aperture28. Similar to the tray described above, the aperture preferablyincludes an inlet 62 having a diameter which is greater than an outlet64 thereof, such that the aperture 28 is tapered which will increase thepressure and velocity of the water and water vapor which passestherethrough, further increasing the temperature and creating additionalvapor from the water. Similar to the tray 22 described above, apertures28 may be formed in the entire baffle plate, as represented by theseries of dashed lines. The particular number and size of the apertures28 may vary depending upon the operating conditions of the system 10.

With reference now to FIG. 8, the shaft 36 is illustrated extendingthrough the rotating tray 22. In one embodiment, a cone-shaped waterdirector 66 is positioned in front of the tray 22. For example, thedirector 66 may have a forty-five degree angle to deflect the remainingwater and vapor passing through the central opening 59 of the baffle 24from the shaft 36 and towards the periphery or outer edge of the tray 22for improved vaporization and higher percentage recovery of potablewater.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, as mentioned above, in a particularlypreferred embodiment the vessel 12 may be formed into two shells orsections 12 a and 12 b. This enables rapid inspection and replacement ofvessel components, as necessary. Preferably, the wall of the innerchamber 14 and any other components such as the trays 22, baffle plates24, shaft 36, etc. are treated with Melonite, or other friction reducingand corrosion resistant substance. Of course, these components can becomprised of materials which are corrosion resistant and have a lowfriction coefficient, such as polished stainless steel or the like. Thelower and upper sections 12 a and 12 b of the vessel 12 are preferablyinterconnected such that when closed they are substantially air andwater tight. Moreover, the closed vessel 12 needs to be able towithstand high temperatures and pressures due to the water vaporizationtherein during operation of the system 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, typically a transmission 34interconnects the electric motor 32 and the drive shaft 36. The motor 32may be a combustion engine (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.),electric motor, gas turbine, or other known means for providing drive.The speed of the transmission 34 is set by the variable frequency drive30. The variable frequency drive 30 is primarily regulated by acomputerized controller 68, as will be more fully described herein. Theshaft 36 may be belt or gear driven. As described below, the motor 32may also be directly connected to the shaft 36. With particularreference to FIG. 10, the shaft 70 of the motor is connected to anintermediate shaft 72 by a belt 74. The intermediate shaft 72 isconnected to the shaft by another belt 76. The high-speed industrialbelt and pulley system shown in FIG. 10 drives the shaft 36 inside thewater processing vessel 12. As shown, a plurality of belts 74 and 76 anda set of intermediate shafts 72 increase the rotational output speed atthe shaft 36 by a multiple of the rotational input speed applied by theelectric motor 32 on the electric motor driveshaft 70. Of course, theratio of rotational input speed to rotational output speed can bechanged by changing the relative rotational velocities of the belts 74and 76 and corresponding intermediate shafts 72. By coupling theelectric motor driveshaft 70 to the shaft 36 via belts 74 and 76 andintermediate shaft 72, and adding a Schmitt coupler on the shaft 36between the transmission 34 and the chamber 12, the present invention isable to avoid the vibrational and reliability problems that plague otherprior art desalinization systems.

With reference again to FIG. 1, as mentioned above, the water vapor isdirected through a water vapor outlet 48 of the vessel 12. The watervapor travels through a recovery tube 78 to a vapor recovery containeror tank 80. The water vapor then condenses and coalesces into liquidwater within the vapor recovery tank 80. To facilitate this, in oneembodiment, a plurality of spaced apart members 82, such as in the formof louvers, are positioned in the flow pathway of the water vapor suchthat the water vapor can coalesce and condense on the louvers and becomeliquid water. The liquid water is then moved to a potable water storagetank 84 or a pasteurizing and holding tank 86. If the water and watervapor in the vessel 12 is heated to the necessary temperature forpasteurization, so as to kill harmful microorganisms, zebra mussellarvae, and other harmful organisms, the liquid water may be held inholding tank 86.

With reference now to FIGS. 15-27, another preferred embodiment of thesystem 10 and water processing vessel 12 is shown. FIG. 15 illustratesthe overall system 10 including the alternate single piece constructionof the vessel 12. In this embodiment, the vessel 12 has a constructionsimilar to the previously described embodiment, including elements suchas the inner chamber 14, the inlet valve 18, the trays 22 having scoops26, the baffles 24 having apertures 28, the brine outlet 46, and thevapor outlet 48. The inlet valve 18 comprises multiple inlets,preferably at least two, to the vessel 12. These inlets 18 are disposedon the end of the vessel around the shaft 36 so as to more evenlydistribute the fluid across the inner chamber 14. A shaft 36 supportedby ceramic bearings 38, 40 passes through the center of the trays 22 andbaffles 24.

The trays 22 are affixed to the shaft 36 and extend outward toward thewall of the inner chamber 14 as described above. The baffles 24preferably comprise a single piece extending from the walls of the innerchamber 14 toward the shaft 36 with a central opening 59 forming a gapbetween the baffles 24 and the shaft 36 as described above. The baffles24 are preferably fixed to the walls of the inner chamber by screws ordowels 60 also as described above. In a particularly preferredembodiment, the vessel 12 includes six trays 22 and five baffles 24alternatingly dispersed through the inner chamber 14.

In this alternate embodiment, the inner chamber 14 includes an internalsleeve 45 disposed proximate to the brine outlet 46. The internal sleeve45 has an annular shape with a diameter slightly less than the diameterof the inner chamber 14. The internal sleeve 45 extends from a pointdownstream of the last tray 22 to another point immediately downstreamof the brine outlet 46. An annular passageway 47 is created between theinternal sleeve 45 and the outer wall of the inner chamber 14. In atypical construction, the internal sleeve 45 is about six inches longand the annular passageway 47 is about 1-1½ inches wide. This annularpassageway or channel 47 captures the brine or contaminate material thatis spun out from the rotating trays 22 to the outer wall of the chamber14 as described above. This annular passageway 47 facilitates movementof the brine or contaminate material to the outlet 46 and minimizes thechances of contamination of the vapor discharge or buildup of materialwithin the chamber 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a close-up of the trays 22 and baffles 24. One canclearly see how the baffles 24 extend from the wall of the vessel 12through the chamber 14 and end proximate to the shaft 36. One can alsosee how the trays 22 are affixed to the shaft 36 and have scoops 26disposed therethrough as described. A cone 66 is preferably disposed oneach tray 22 so as to deflect any fluid flowing along the shaft asdescribed above (FIG. 8). FIG. 17 illustrates an external view of thevessel 12 indicating the inlets 18, the outlets 46, 48 and the shaft 36.Ordinarily, the ends of the vessel 12 would be enclosed and sealedagainst leaks. They are depicted open here for clarification and ease ofillustration. FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-section of the vessel 12 shownin FIG. 17, further illustrating the internal components, including thetrays 22, baffles 24, internal sleeve 45 and annular passageway 47. FIG.19 illustrates the shaft 36 with trays 22 and baffles 24 apart from thevessel 12.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the tray 22 and baffle 24, respectively.FIGS. 22, 23 and 26 illustrate various views and cross-sections of thetray 22 in FIG. 20. FIGS. 24 and 27 similarly illustrate various viewsand cross-sections of the baffle 24 in FIG. 21. As discussed, the tray22 includes scoops 26 which pass through the body of the tray 22. Thescoops 26 include a scoop inlet 52 and a scoop outlet 54 configured asdescribed above. The scoop inlet 52 is preferably oriented such that theopening faces into the direction of rotation about the shaft. Thismaximizes the amount of fluid that enters the scoop inlet 52 and passesthrough the plurality of scoops. The angle of the scoops 26 onsuccessive trays 22 may be adjusted as described above. The baffle 24also includes a plurality of apertures 28 configured and profiled (FIG.9) as described above. FIG. 25 illustrates the shaft 36 and a pairing ofa tray 22 with a baffle 24. The arrows indicate the direction ofrotation of the shaft and accordingly the tray 22 in this particularfigure. The scoops 26 with the scoop inlet 52 are illustrated as facingin the direction of the rotation, i.e., out of the page, in the top halfof the figure. In the bottom half of the figure, the scoop 26 with scoopinlet 52 is also illustrated as being oriented in the direction ofrotation, i.e., into the page, as the tray 22 rotates with the shaft 36.The direction of rotation may be either clockwise or counter-clockwise.The direction of rotation can be changed without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. As described in the previousembodiment, the scoop inlet 52 has a larger diameter than the scoopoutlet 54 so as to increase the flow rate and decrease the fluidpressure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, when the main goal of the system10 is to remove contaminants from the contaminated water, such as saltwater, so as to have potable water, the temperature of the water vaporis heated to between one hundred degrees Fahrenheit and less than twohundred twelve degrees Fahrenheit. Even more preferably, the water vaporis heated to between one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit and onehundred seventy degrees Fahrenheit for pasteurization purposes. However,the water vapor temperature is kept to a minimum and almost always lessthan two hundred twelve degrees Fahrenheit such that the water does notboil and become steam, which is more difficult to condense and coalescefrom water vapor to liquid water. Increased RPMs result in increasedtemperatures and pressures. The RPMs can be adjusted to achieve thedesired temperatures.

The water is boiled and the water vapor temperature is brought to abovetwo hundred twelve degrees Fahrenheit preferably only in instances wheresteam generation is desirable for heating, electricity generating, andother purposes as will be more fully described herein. This enables thepresent invention to both pasteurize the water vapor and condense andcoalesce the water vapor into liquid water without complex refrigerationor condensing systems, which often require additional electricity andenergy.

In one embodiment, the contaminated water, referred to as brine indesalinization processes, is collected at outlet 46 and moved to a brinedisposal tank 88. As shown in FIG. 1, polymers or other chemistry 90 maybe added to the brine to recover trace elements, etc. Moreover, the saltfrom the brine may be processed and used for various purposes, includinggenerating table salt, agricultural brine and/or fertilizer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the treated contaminatedwater is reprocessed by recycling the contaminants and remaining waterthrough the system again. This may be done multiple times such that theamount of potable water extracted from the contaminated water increases,up to as much as ninety-nine percent. This may be done by directing thecontaminants and waste water from the outlet 46 to a first brine, orcontaminant, reprocessing tank 92. The remaining waste water, in theform of brine or other contaminants, is then reintroduced through inlet18 of the vessel 12 and reprocessed and recirculated through the vessel12, as described above. Additional potable water will be extracted inthe form of water vapor for condensing and collection in the vaporrecovery tank 80. The remaining contaminants and wastewater are thendirected to a second brine or contaminant reprocessing tank 94. Theconcentration of contaminants or brine will be much higher in thereprocessing tank 92. Once a sufficient level of wastewater or brine hasbeen accumulated in the reprocessing tank 92, this contaminated water isthen passed through the inlet 18 and circulated and processed throughthe system 10, as described above. Extracted potable water vapor isremoved at outlet 48 and turned into liquid water in the vapor recoverytank 80, as described above. The resulting contaminants and wastewatercan then be placed into yet another reprocessing tank, or into the brinedisposal tank 88. It is anticipated that an initial pass-through ofseawater will yield, for example, eighty percent to ninety percentpotable water. The first reprocessing will yield an additional amount ofpotable water, such that the total extracted potable water is betweenninety percent and ninety-five percent. Passing the brine and remainingwater through the system again can yield up to ninety-nine percentrecovery of potable water, by recycling the brine at little to noincrease in unit cost. Moreover, this reduces the volume of the brine orcontaminants, which can facilitate trace element recovery and/or reducethe disposal costs thereof.

With reference now to FIG. 11, in a particularly preferred embodiment, acomputer system is integrated into the system 10 of the presentinvention which regulates the variable frequency drive 30 based onmeasurements taken from a plurality of sensors that continually readtemperature, pressure, flow rate, rotational rates of components andremaining capacity of a variety of tanks connected to the waterprocessing vessel 12. Typically, these readings are taken in real-time.

For example, temperature and/or pressure sensors 96 may be employed tomeasure the temperature of the water or water vapor within or exitingthe vessel 12, as well as the pressure thereof as needed. In response tothese sensor readings, the control box 68 will cause the variablefrequency drive 30 to maintain the rotational speed of shaft 36,decrease the rotational speed of the shaft 36, or increase therotational speed of the shaft 36 to either maintain the temperature andpressure, reduce the temperature and pressure, or increase the pressureand temperature, respectively, of the water and water vapor. This may bedone, for example, to ensure that the water vapor temperature is at thenecessary pasteurization temperature so as to kill all harmfulmicroorganisms and other organisms therein. Alternatively, or inaddition to, a sensor may be used to detect the rotational speed (RPMS)of the shaft 36 and/or trays 22 to ensure that the system is operatingcorrectly and that the system is generating the necessary water vapor ata desired temperature and/or pressure. The computerized controller mayalso adjust the amount of water input through inlet 18 (GPMS) so thatthe proper amount of water is input as to the amount of water vapor andwastewater which is removed so that the system 10 operates efficiently.The control box 68 may adjust the flow rate of water into the vessel 12,or even adjust the water input.

FIG. 28 illustrates schematically a computer display 112 or similarconfiguration. This computer display schematically illustrates thevessel 12 with the various inlets and outlets 18, 46, 48, as well as theshaft 36 and the plurality of trays 22. The shaft 36 has multiplevibration and temperature sensors 114 disposed along its length. Thebearings 38, 40 also include vibration and temperature sensors 114. Thevibration and temperature sensors 114 are configured to detecthorizontal and vertical vibrations at each point, as well as, thetemperature of the shaft 36 generated by the friction of rotation. Thebearings 38, 40 include oil supply 116 a and return 116 b lines toprovide lubrication thereof. The inlets 18 and brine outlet 46 includeflow meters 118 to detect the corresponding flow rates. Temperature andpressure sensors 96 are disposed throughout the vessel 12. Thetemperature and pressure sensors 96 are also disposed throughout thevessel 12 to take measurements at various predetermined points.

As indicated above, the contaminated water may come from a feed tank 16,or can be from any other number of tanks, including reprocessing tanks92 and 94. It is also contemplated that the collected water storage tankcould be fluidly coupled to the inlet 18 so as to ensure that the wateris purified to a certain level or for other purposes, such as whengenerating steam which requires a higher purity of water than thecontaminated water may provide. As such, one or more sensors 98 maytrack the data within the tanks to determine water or wastewater/brinelevels, concentrations, or flow rates into the tanks or out of thetanks. The controller 68 may be used to switch the input and output ofthe tanks, such as when the brine is being reprocessed from a firstbrine reprocessing tank 92 to the second brine reprocessing tank 94, andeventually to the brine disposal tank 88, as described above. Thus, whenthe first brine reprocessing tank reaches a predetermined level, fluidflow from the feed tank 16 is shut off, and instead fluid is providedfrom the first brine reprocessing tank 92 into the vessel 12. Thetreated contaminants and remaining wastewater are then directed into thesecond brine reprocessing tank 94, until it reaches a predeterminedlevel. Then the water is directed from the second brine reprocessingtank 94 through the system and water processing vessel 12 to, forexample, the brine disposal tank 88. Brine water in the firstreprocessing tank 92 may be approximately twenty percent of thecontaminated water, including most of the total dissolved solids. Theresidual brine which is finally directed to the brine disposal tank 88may only comprise one percent of the contaminated water initiallyintroduced into the decontamination system 10 via the feed tank 16.Thus, the temperature and pressure sensors, RPM and flow meters can beused to control the desired water output including water vaportemperature controls that result in pasteurized water.

The controller 68 can be used to direct the variable frequency drive 30to power the motor 32 such that the shaft 36 is rotated at asufficiently high velocity that the rotation of the trays boils theinput water and creates steam of a desired temperature and pressure, asillustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 illustrates a steam turbine 100integrated into the system 10. The steam turbine 100 may also be usedwith the vessel depicted in FIGS. 15-27. Water vapor in the form ofsteam could be generated in the water processing vessel 12 to drive ahigh pressure, low temperature steam turbine by feeding the vapor outlet48 into an inlet on the turbine 100. The turbine 100 is in turn coupledto an electric generator 102, for cost-effective and economicalgeneration of electricity. Alternately, the shaft 36 of the vessel 12may be extended to turn the generator 102 directly or indirectly.

In the case of a steam turbine, the water vapor can be heated to inexcess of six hundred degrees Fahrenheit and pressurized in excess ofsixteen hundred pounds per square inch (psi), which is adequate to drivethe steam turbine 100. Aside from the increased velocity of the trays,the incorporation of the tapered nature of the scoops 26 of the trays22, and the tapered nature of the apertures 28 of the aperture platebaffles 24 also facilitate the generation of water vapor and steam.Increasing the angles of the scoops 26, such as from twenty-five degreesat a first tray to forty-five degrees at a last tray, also increaseswater vapor generation in the form of steam and increases the pressurethereof so as to be able to drive the steam turbine 100. FIGS. 13 and 14illustrate an embodiment wherein a steam outlet 104 is formed at an endof the vessel 12 and the steam turbine 100 is directly connected theretosuch that the pressurized steam passes through the turbine 100 so as torotate the blades 106 and shaft 108 thereof so as to generateelectricity via the electric generator coupled thereto. A water vaporoutlet 110 conveys the water vapor to a vapor recovery container 80 orthe like. The recovery tank 80 may need to include additional piping,condensers, refrigeration, etc. so as to cool the steam or hightemperature water vapor so as to condense it into liquid water.

Of course, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thesteam generated by the system 10 can be used for other purposes, such asheating purposes, removal of oil from oil wells and tar and shale pitsand the like, etc.

It will also be appreciated that the present invention, by means of thesensors and controller 68 can generate water vapor of a lowertemperature and/or pressure for potable water production, which watervapor is directed through outlet 48 directly into a vapor recoverycontainer, and the system sped up to create high temperature water vaporor steam for passage through the steam turbine 100 to generateelectricity as needed. For example, during the nighttime hours, thesystem 10 may be used to generate potable water when very littleelectricity is needed. However, during the daylight hours, the system 10can be adjusted to generate steam and electricity.

As described above, many of the components of the present invention,including the variable frequency drive 30, electric motor 32,transmission 34, and water processing vessel 12 and the componentstherein can be attached to a framework 42 which is portable. The entiresystem 10 of the present invention can be designed to fit into a fortyfoot long ISO container. This container can be insulated with arefrigeration (HVAC) unit for controlled operating environment andshipping and storage. The various tanks, including the feed tank, vaporrecovery tank, portable water storage tank, and contaminant/brinereprocessing or disposal tanks can either be fit into the transportablecontainer, or transported separately and connected to the inlet andoutlet ports as needed. Thus, the entire system 10 of the presentinvention can be easily transported in an ISO container, or the like,via ship, semi-tractor trailer, or the like. Thus, the system 10 of thepresent invention can be taken to where needed to address naturaldisasters, military operations, etc., even at remote locations. Such anarrangement results in a high level of mobility and rapid deployment andstartup of the system 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 29 schematically illustrates the processes occurring at variouspoints, i.e., sub-chambers, throughout the vessel 12. The inner chamber14 of the vessel 12 is effectively divided into a series of sub-chambersas illustrated. The vessel 12 contains five sub-chambers that performthe functions of an axial flow pump, an axial flow compressor, acentrifugal flow compressor, an unlighted gas turbine and/or ahydraulic/water turbine. In operation, the system 10 has the capabilityto vaporize the water through a mechanical process, thereby enablingefficient and effective desalination, decontamination and vaporizationof a variety of impaired fluids. Before entering the vessel 12, thefluid may be subject to a pretreatment step 120 wherein the fluid ispassed through filters and various other processes to separatecontaminants that are more easily removed or that may damage or degradethe integrity of the system 10. Upon passing through the inlets 18, thefluid enters an intake chamber 122 which has an effect on the fluidsimilar to an axial flow pump once the system 10 reaches its operatingrotation speed. An external initiating pump (not shown) may be shut offsuch that the system 10 draws the contaminated water through the inlet,i.e., the intake chamber functions as an axial flow pump, without thecontinued operation of the initiating pump. A significant reduction inintake chamber pressure causes vacuum distillation or vaporization tooccur at temperatures below 212° F. Following the intake chamber 122,the fluid encounters the first tray 22 where it enters the firstprocessing chamber 124. This first processing chamber acts as both acentrifugal flow compressor and as an axial flow compressor through thecombined action of the rotating tray 22 and the adjacent baffle 24. Ahigh percentage of the intake water is vaporized through cavitation uponimpact with the high speed rotating tray 22 in the first processingchamber 124. A centrifugal flow compression process occurs within thefirst processing chamber 124 and each subsequent processing chamber. Thecentrifugal flow compression process casts the non-vaporized dissolvedsolids and at least some of the liquid water to the outer wall of theprocessing chamber 124. This action separates the dissolved solids andmost of the remaining liquid from the vapor. An axial flow compressionprocess also occurs within the first processing chamber 124 and eachsubsequent chamber. This axial flow compression process compresses thevapor and liquid which also increases the pressure and temperaturewithin the processing chamber. The second processing chamber 126 and thethird processing chamber 128 both function similarly by compounding theaction of the centrifugal flow compressor and axial flow compressorfeatures of the first processing chamber 124.

By the time the fluid reaches the fourth processing chamber 130 it hasbeen subjected to centrifugal flow and axial flow compression processessuch that the nature of the fluid and its flow through the vessel 12 haschanged. In the fourth processing chamber the fluid behaves as if it ispassing through an unlighted gas turbine or an hydraulic/water turbineby causing rotation of the shaft 36. The fifth processing chamber 132compounds this unlighted gas turbine or hydraulic/water turbine process.The turbine processes of the fourth and fifth processing chambers 130,132 supply a measure of force to drive rotation of the shaft 36 suchthat power on the motor 32 may be throttled back without a loss offunctionality in the system 10. After exiting the fifth processingchamber 132 the fluid has been separated to a high degree such thatnearly all of the contaminants in the form of brine pass through theannular passageway 47 to the outlet 46 and the purified vapor passesthrough the central portion of the inner chamber 14 to the vapor outlet48. The turbine operations of the fourth and fifth processing chambers130, 132 allow for continued operation of the system 10 with a reducedenergy input (by as much as 25%) as compared to a startup phase once anequilibrium in the operation is reached.

After the fifth processing chamber 132, the system includes a dischargechamber. The discharge chamber 134, which is larger than any of thepreceding processing chambers, contains the two discharge outlets 46,48. The large increase in volume results in a dramatic reduction inpressure and a physical separation of the dissolved solids and theremaining water from the vapor.

The dimensions of the vessel 12 are preferably configured such that thecombined processing chambers, 124-132 occupy about one-half of the totallength. The discharge chamber 134 occupies about one-third of the totallength. The remainder of the length of the vessel, about one-sixth ofthe total length, is occupied by the intake chamber 122. The processingchambers 124-132 are divided into approximately three-fifths compressorfunctionality and two-fifths turbine functionality. Once the fluid exitsthe last processing chamber 132, it has achieved about eighty percentvaporization as it enters the discharge chamber 134 and is directed tothe respective outlets 46, 48.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for processing a fluid, comprising: anelongated vessel defining an inner chamber, the vessel and inner chamberbeing oriented generally horizontally; a fluid inlet formed in thevessel; a plurality of trays oriented vertically and disposed along thehorizontal orientation of the inner chamber in spaced relation to oneanother, each of the plurality of trays including scoops through thetrays through which fluids pass, wherein the scoops include an inlet ofa first diameter and an outlet of a second smaller diameter; a pluralityof baffles oriented vertically and disposed along the horizontalorientation of the inner chamber, each of the plurality of bafflesalternately spaced with each of the plurality of trays, each of theplurality of baffles having apertures through the baffles through whichfluids pass, wherein the apertures have an inlet of a first diameter andan outlet of a second smaller diameter; a rotatable shaft disposed alongthe horizontal orientation of the inner chamber, the shaft passingthrough the baffles and attached to the trays so as to rotate the trayswithin the inner chamber; a contaminate outlet formed in the vesselopposite the fluid inlet along the horizontal orientation of the innerchamber; an internal sleeve disposed in the inner chamber downstream ofthe trays and baffles, proximate to the contaminate outlet, the internalsleeve forming an annular passageway leading from the inner chamber tothe contaminate outlet; and a vapor outlet formed in the vessel oppositethe fluid inlet along the horizontal orientation of the inner chamberand in communication with a vapor recovery tank for condensing vapor. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the system is attached to a portableframework.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising means forrotating the shaft.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe trays includes a flow director extending from a front face thereofand configured to direct flow of the fluid towards a periphery of thetray.
 5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a controller foradjusting a speed of rotation of the shaft or fluid input to the vessel.6. The system of claim 5, further comprising at least one sensor incommunication with the controller and configured to determine at leastone of: 1) speed of rotation of the shaft or trays, 2) pressure of theinner chamber, 3) temperature of the fluid, 4) fluid input rate, or 5)level of contaminates in the fluid to be processed.
 7. The system ofclaim 6, further comprising at least one treated contaminated fluid tankfluidly coupled to the contaminate outlet of the vessel which is in turnconnected to the fluid inlet on the vessel for reprocessing thecontaminated fluid by passing the treated contaminated fluid through thesystem.
 8. The system of claim 1, including a turbine connected to thevapor outlet of the vessel and operably connected to an electricgenerator.
 9. The system of claim 8, including a treated fluid returnbetween an outlet on the turbine and the fluid inlet on the vessel. 10.The system of claim 1, wherein the shaft extends out of the vessel andis coupled to an electric generator.
 11. The system of claim 10, whereinthe shaft is directly coupled to the electric generator.
 12. A systemfor processing fluids, comprising: an elongated vessel having a fluidinlet and a shaft through the vessel, wherein said elongated vessel andshaft are oriented horizontally; means for centrifugally and axiallycompressing a fluid through the vessel once the system is run to anoperating rotation speed, wherein the means for centrifugally andaxially compressing comprises a proximate set of vertically oriented,alternately spaced trays and baffles, the trays disposed along thehorizontal orientation of the vessel attached to the shaft and having aplurality of scoops through which the fluid passes, the baffles disposedalong the horizontal orientation of the vessel attached to the vesseland having a plurality of apertures through which the fluid passes,wherein each of the plurality of scoops and plurality of apertures havean inlet of a first diameter and an outlet of a second smaller diameter;means for rotating the shaft to drive the means for centrifugally andaxially compressing once the system is run to the operating rotationspeed, wherein the means for rotating the shaft comprises a distal setof vertically oriented, alternately spaced trays and baffles, the traysdisposed along the horizontal orientation of the vessel attached to theshaft and having a plurality of scoops through which the fluid passes,the baffles disposed along the horizontal orientation of the vesselattached to the vessel and having a plurality of apertures through whichthe fluid passes, wherein each of the plurality of scoops and pluralityof apertures have an inlet of a first diameter and an outlet of a secondsmaller diameter, and wherein the mean for rotating the shaft is drivenby a fluid flow from the means for centrifugally and axiallycompressing; a vapor outlet and a contaminate outlet on the vessel, bothopposite the fluid inlet along the horizontal orientation of the vessel;and an internal sleeve disposed in the vessel downstream of the meansfor rotating the shaft and separating the vapor outlet from thecontaminate outlet, the internal sleeve forming an annular passagewayleading to the contaminate outlet.
 13. The system of claim 12, furthercomprising a means for axially pumping the fluid through the vessel. 14.The system of claim 13, wherein the means for axially pumping comprisesan intake chamber disposed between the fluid inlet and the means forcentrifugally and axially compressing.
 15. The system of claim 14,wherein the intake chamber functions as an axial pump once the system isrun to the operating rotation speed.
 16. The system of claim 12, whereinthe means for centrifugally and axially compressing vaporizes at leastpart of the fluid through cavitation such that the fluid comprisesnon-vaporized dissolved solids, a liquid and a vapor.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the means for centrifugally and axially compressingcauses centrifugal compression of the fluid, resulting in thenon-vaporized dissolved solids and at least part of the liquid movingtoward an outer wall of the vessel.
 18. The system of claim 16, whereinthe means for centrifugally and axially compressing causes axial flowcompression of the liquid and vapor increasing the pressure of thefluid.
 19. The system of claim 16, further comprising a means fordischarging the fluid into the contaminate outlet and the vapor outlet,resulting in a reduction in pressure and a physical separation of thenon-vaporized dissolved solids and the liquid from the vapor.
 20. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the means for rotating the shaft in the formof the distal set of vertically oriented, alternately spaced trays andbaffles functions as an unlighted gas turbine or an hydraulic/waterturbine under the fluid flow from the means for centrifugally andaxially compressing, once the system is run to the operating rotationspeed.